Our gracious hostess Gloria gave us recommendations for some of the nearby attractions and we set out to sample the flavor of la Mariscal and the historic district. We wandered through a crowded, covered marketplace full of local crafts, run mainly by colorfully dressed women, almost all of whom seemed to be tending small children.
The streets were teeming with pedestrians and motorists (who seemed to be operating under traffic protocols that I never fully decoded; I learned to look to all points of the compass before crossing a street).
Persons in police and military uniforms seemed to make up an unusually high percentage of the visible population. It may have been because of a labor protest by taxi drivers that was underway that day.
I was amazed at the entrepreneurial spirit of the Quitoans; snack kiosks on every corner, most selling the same candy bars and chips. Tiny shops selling shoes or handbags. Small children carrying handfuls of apples or pears or guavas for sale. One woman had a small army of 4-inch windup skateboard riders which she set loose on the crowded sidewalk of Plaza Grande. Amazingly, not a one was crushed underfoot while we watched. Another woman carried an enormous plastic bag of toilet paper which she seemed to be peddling door-to-door along the row of shops.
By mid-morning we had climbed the Panecillo (a Quito prominence named for its resemblance to a small loaf of bread) and enjoyed great views of the city, which lies below the volcano Pinchincha, squished into a valley 22 miles long and two miles wide.
Having received several warnings about the unsavory neighborhoods below the hill from solicitous residents we agreed to take a taxi back downtown; within a few seconds one appeared. Taxis are everywhere. Though we enjoy walking, cabs are a great way to cover a lot of ground inexpensively (they appear not to be equipped with meters; it's best to agree on the fare as soon as you hop in).
We treated ourselves to lunch at an elegant second story restaurant overlooking Plaza Grande called Mia Culpa and had the dining room almost to ourselves for most of the meal (an excellent seafood salad).
After a quick look at the neo-Gothic Basilica we took a cab to the Quito Botanical Gardens to sample the gorgeous and (to us) exotic tropical flora.
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.